Imire: Black Rhino and Elephant Conservation

Lets be honest, it is really difficult to find only one favourite day at Imire. But if I want to choose the best one started with rhino handling. It was the day of their dehorning, so it seemed to...
Sarah V

Location

Zimbabwe: Wedza

Program Summary

Imire offers a unique opportunity to experience Black Rhino and Elephant conservation in action on a privately owned game park in the heart of the beautiful Zimbabwe bush. Volunteers will get a behind the scenes look at life on an African game reserve and work closely with four of Africa's Big 5 - black and white rhino, elephants, lions and buffalo, as well as over 40 other animal species. In the 1970s Imire pioneered the introduction of game onto crop and cattle land and, via our established and renowned breeding programmes, the long-term vision is to reintroduce big game, particularly the critically endangered black rhino, back into safe conservation areas and to see Zimbabwe's wildlife restored to its previous glorious abundance.

In addition to working closely with the game on the reserve, volunteers get involved with anti-poaching patrols and snare sweeps, observing and recording animal behaviour, feeding of all animals, plus undertaking community projects in our local school. We believe that ...

Program Summary

Imire offers a unique opportunity to experience Black Rhino and Elephant conservation in action on a privately owned game park in the heart of the beautiful Zimbabwe bush. Volunteers will get a behind the scenes look at life on an African game reserve and work closely with four of Africa's Big 5 - black and white rhino, elephants, lions and buffalo, as well as over 40 other animal species. In the 1970s Imire pioneered the introduction of game onto crop and cattle land and, via our established and renowned breeding programmes, the long-term vision is to reintroduce big game, particularly the critically endangered black rhino, back into safe conservation areas and to see Zimbabwe's wildlife restored to its previous glorious abundance.

In addition to working closely with the game on the reserve, volunteers get involved with anti-poaching patrols and snare sweeps, observing and recording animal behaviour, feeding of all animals, plus undertaking community projects in our local school. We believe that conservation goes hand in hand with community education and our volunteers share their experiences and knowledge with the local schoolchildren.

There are a maximum of ten volunteers at a time, so you will get lots of personal interaction with the animals and have the ultimate wildlife conservation experience.

What makes Imire different?

* The hands on experience you get with our animals.
* The diversity of the programme; from wildlife conservation to community projects; experiencing life on a game reserve, its challenges and joys; learning about the conservation of Zimbabwe's wildlife.
* Imire is family owned and run and you will feel part of the family in no time
* The amazing hospitality and friendliness of the Zimbabwean people.

Program Highlights

No two days on Imire are ever the same, but some of the activities you might get involved with during your stay may include:

* Spending time with our five black rhino, monitoring their behaviour, social activity and feeding habits.
* Observe and record the behaviour of our black rhino calf
* Working with our elephants; teaching co-operative elephant handling, observing their family interactions and monitoring their browsing behaviour.
* Assisting in the general running of the game park; animal feeding, anti-poaching patrols, bush clearance, tree planting, maintenance and cleaning of rhino and elephant beds.
* Game counts on foot and horseback.
* Community involvement; you will help in our local schools to educate children on the importance of the wildlife around them and the environment they live in.
* Helping with special projects and having amazing adventures!
* Experience the beauty of Zimbabwe.

I went to Imire to work with elephants and rhino but found so much more. The passion of all concerned and the program itself was inspiring. Very hands on with the elephants in particular but the community was so much more than I expected. Spent 2 weeks there but was nowhere near enough time. Very sad to leave and Imire will always hold a special place in my heart.

Overall Rating

10/ 10

Volunteer Placement

9

Program Administration

9

Living Situation

9

Community Engagement

9

Health & Safety

10

Day to Day Life

10

I would have stayed longer!

Submitted by
Olivia O -
Shanghai | November 10, 2015

When travelling to Imire I had no idea what my time would be like or who I would meet. Never in a million years did I expect to have as much fun or make as many memories as I did.

As a rhino lover I wanted to spend time with my favourite animal - Imire did not disappoint! I was amazed to see how much hands-on experience we had with all the animals and how much I learnt during my two weeks volunteering. It was the perfect balance between education and work. I learned a lot and enjoyed doing so. There was a great variety of activities, with Numwa School, animals and park management.

When we weren't working, not that it even felt like work, we spent our time climbing, camping and generally making the most of our time in Zimbabwe. The food was delicious and allowed me to try new dishes as well as traditional Shona food. The accommodation is clean and comfortable.

Everyone at Imire made me feel so welcomed, they are literally some of the most kind-hearted and friendly people you will ever meet.

This has been the most enjoyable and rewarding experience and I would not change a single thing...actually I would probably stay so much longer!

Overall Rating

9/ 10

Volunteer Placement

9

Program Administration

8

Living Situation

9

Community Engagement

8

Health & Safety

8

Day to Day Life

9

Three Amazing Weeks

Submitted by
Pim S -
Woudenberg | November 26, 2015

This was the second time I went to Africa as a volunteer and I had chosen Imire because of the hands on activities with worlds largest and unfortunately also most endangered land animals, the rhino & elephant, supporting these animals and the local community and the opportunity to join the APU (anti poaching unit).

And I couldn’t have chosen a better place for doing all that, lots of quality time with the rhino’s, elephants and many other animals during feeding, walks, tracking, game-drives, cleaning and maintaining boma’s, truly a magnificent experience!

But also the people you work with are very friendly and you feel like a part of a big family.
And don’t forget to mention the food which is prepared from fresh ingredients three times a day and tastes ab fab.
Really special are the Shona evenings were you get a good impression of the native culture with lots of traditional singing, dancing and again, great food!

For keeping large herbivores like rhino’s and elephants you do not only need a big piece of land with plenty of food and water but also a tight security system which prevents having this beautiful animals poached and that’s were the APU comes in.

Patrolling four hours in a row without having a sip of water, be aware of your exact location and that of the rhino’s you are guarding during a pitch black night and tracking and handling of animals are just a few skills an APU member has to master and believe me they did it flawlessly.

It was absolutely great to work together with this guys and I learnt an awful lot more about the bush

Overall Rating

9/ 10

Volunteer Placement

9

Program Administration

9

Living Situation

10

Community Engagement

10

Health & Safety

7

Day to Day Life

9

An unforgettable experience

Submitted by
Sarah V -
Paris Paris| September 01, 2015

Lets be honest, it is really difficult to find only one favourite day at Imire. But if I want to choose the best one started with rhino handling. It was the day of their dehorning, so it seemed to be such a privilege to see them WITH their horns. The light in the bush was amazing and Tatenda tried to go with the elephants rather than stay with Kamuchacha - as if he knew something was going to happen. After we saw the rhinos we helped to mend the fences by filling the holes underneath with stones. Its not my favourite activity but we know that its important so we want to do it well. I forgot to mention about the breakfast between the two activities, that we love because its delicious and we take it in the sun.

In the afternoon the dehorning was such an amazing thing. Everybody was very professional and it was impressive to see the animals like that. We assisted in this event in them middle of a normal day but it was really an unforgettable experience. After the dehorning we cut down browse for baby rhino Tafika and to finish the perfect day we had Shona Culture Evening. This is really a nice dinner and an opportunity to find out more about the people who live here and learn some songs! I loved the moment during another evening when we brought some children from the school to sing their songs.

I couldn't expect a better experience. Everyone is so nice, the place is wonderful and thanks to the programme we can help the animals and enjoy ourselves at the same time.

Tatenda / thank you / merci.

Overall Rating

8/ 10

Volunteer Placement

9

Program Administration

10

Living Situation

10

Community Engagement

7

Health & Safety

10

Day to Day Life

10

All about family

Submitted by
Billy C -
Chicago | November 10, 2015

My time here was very well spent. Overall the biggest reason I would recommend this programme to someone else is the sense of family and companionship that you get with everyone. Hearing stories from the Travers family was amazing every time we had a chance to talk with them. They really make everyone feel at home. Also those who work more directly with us, from Mike and Bright to all of the handlers - everyone did an amazing job of making everyone feel connected to each other.

Program Duration

Year(s) Offered

Start dates are very Monday throughout the year including Christmas and New Year.

Participation Guidelines

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.
This Program is also open to Couples.

Cost in USD per week

From USD 1,750 (2 weeks)

Program Includes:

Costs include all food, activities and accommodation whilst at Imire, plus transfers to and from Harare. The programme price does not include international flights, travel/medical insurance (required), off-site excursions and drinks from our bar.

Group discounts are available starting at 5% discount for one additional person.